American Heart Month: The Warning Signs of Stroke, Heart Attack

Submitted by John McGran on February 10, 2010 - 7:00am

It's American Heart Month. The American Heart Association picked the perfect month to celebrate this important event because February happens to be the month we lead with our heart by proclaiming our love for another on Valentine's Day.

Why is it so important to worry about our heart health? Well, according to www.americanheart.org, "Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer."

The purpose of American Heart Month -- an event that has taken place each year since 1963 -- is to urge Americans to join the battle against cardiovascular diseases.

The AHA notes: "During American Heart Month, thousands of our volunteers visit their neighbors. Their goal is to raise funds for research and education and pass along information about heart disease and stroke."

To learn more about the American Heart Association and its efforts to save lives, go to www.americanheart.org.

Meanwhile, here are the warning signs that you may be at risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

Heart attack - The AHA says you should watch for:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke - The AHA says you should watch for:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

NOTE: The Diet-to-Go Low-Fat and Vegetarian meal plans meet the nutrition guidelines of the American Heart Association.

Comments

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